Bristol Man Facing Child Porn Charge Lied On Gun Purchase Application: AG

BRISTOL, RI — A Bristol man facing a 2018 child pornography charge was arrested after lying on an application to buy a gun in Tiverton, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Friday.

On Wednesday, Keith Sartini, 56, was charged in Second Division District Court in Newport with providing false information while attempting to secure a firearm.

On April 25, Sartini tried to purchase two guns from East Bay Ammunition in Tiverton, prosecutors said. He was denied after a National Instant Background Check System (NICS) check returned results flagging that Sartini is prohibited from owning a gun, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said investigators reviewed the flagging and learned Sartini is facing a felony charge in Providence County Superior Court. In 2018, Sartini was charged with possession of child pornography.

Under federal law, people awaiting trial on felony charges are prohibited from receiving a gun or ammunition. This law informs one of the questions on the federal gun purchase application. According to prosecutors, Sartini lied about his pending charge on his firearm application. The charge carries a potential one-year prison sentence.

"As alleged, this case is an excellent example of our gun laws and our investigators working in lockstep to protect Rhode Islanders," Neronha said. "Keeping guns out of the hands of those prohibited from possessing firearms is crucial to making sure our communities are safe from gun violence."

Prosecutors said Sartini was ordered held without bail for violating the terms of his bail in his child pornography case. He is scheduled to return to court on Wednesday.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.